The 1991 Leaf Baseball set was released during the peak of baseball card speculation and was one of the most hyped issues of the early 1990s. While the massive increase in print runs that year diminished the long-term values of most cards in the set compared to vintage issues, a handful of prospects and stars from the ’91 Leaf set have stood the test of time and remain valuable to this day. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cards from that release that hold significant value even 30 years later.
Frank Thomas Rookie Card (#76) – Widely considered one of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards of the 1990s, Thomas’ debut Leaf issue remains a highly sought-after card by collectors. His dominance as one of the game’s premier power hitters immediately elevated the value of this card. In PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, it has sold for well over $10,000 and still frequently trades hands for thousands in high grades. Even well-centered, sharp copies in PSA 8 or BGS 9 condition command four-figure prices due to the rarity of the card in top pop report status.
Derek Jeter Rookie Card (#137) – While not quite as rare or pricey as the Thomas rookie, Jeter’s debut Leaf card is still a hugely valuable issue from the set, especially in top-pop report grades. Like Thomas, Jeter announced himself as a future star right away and went on to a Hall of Fame career. PSA 10 copies have sold north of $6,000, with PSA 9s bringing around $2,000-3,000 and BGS 9.5s fetching above $4,000. Even PSA 8s in good shape sell for $500-800 showing the strong, sustained demand for this card.
Chipper Jones Rookie Card (#251) – Jones always had strong cards as one of baseball’s premier switch-hitters, and his rookie debuted in ’91 Leaf. High-grade versions remain some of the key chase cards from the set. A PSA 10 sold for around $3,000 in early 2021, with PSA 9s trading in the $1,000 range. BGS 9.5s have also topped $2,000 indicating meaningful long term holder value for this iconic rookie in top condition.
Tom Glavine Rookie Card (#452) – While not in the same galactic stratosphere as the big three above, Glavine’s rookie is still a much sought-after card recognizing his Hall of Fame career and 300-win milestone. PSA 10s have reached $1,000, with PSA 9s around the $400-500 mark showing strong demand continues. For Braves collectors in particular, this remains a very important and beautiful card to own in pristine condition.
Ken Griffey Jr. (#481) – Perhaps the biggest “what if” from the set had this been Griffey’s true rookie card instead of being issued a year later. Even so, demand remains very strong for this near-rookie of one of the most talented five-tool players ever. PSA 10s have sold between $1,000-1,500, with PSA 9s in the $300-500 range proving this early Griffey from Leaf retains plenty of long-term interest and value recognition.
While print runs expanded card values down compared to the late 80s, ’91 Leaf Baseball still harbors some true heavy-hitter cards that maintain four-figure and even five-figure price tags to this day for true condition pop report rarities. For a single-year baseball issue, it features an extremely impactful and valuable roster of young stars, hall of famers and all-time greats. The iconic rookies of Thomas, Jeter and Jones in particular ensure this forever remains one of the most important 1991 releases in the hobby.
